Cleeve Secure Dog Paddock

If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites around Bristol and you've got a dog in tow, Cleeve Secure Dog Paddock is exactly what you need when cabin fever sets in. It's a fenced-off area where your pooch can run properly without the constant anxiety of them bolting after a rabbit or disappearing into the Mendips. The paddock itself is straightforward - open ground, secure fencing, nothing fancy - but that's rather the point. Your dog gets to be a dog for half an hour while you stand about with coffee from a flask, watching other people's mutts do zoomies.

This works brilliantly if you're based at Wild Goose Glamping or The Batch Campsite and want a proper break in the middle of a walking holiday. You won't linger long - maybe 45 minutes tops if you're chatty with other dog owners - but it transforms the day. The location near Bristol means it's convenient without being remote, useful if you're mixing countryside time with easier access to supplies.

Bring a ball or two if you're organized. The weather's often wet around these parts, so don't expect pristine conditions underfoot. For families with young kids, it's less appealing unless they're keen on dogs - there's no playground equipment or other distractions. But if your dog's had two days of lead-walking and you can see the tension in their shoulders, this paddock earns its place on your itinerary.